Patents Issued in April 20, 2004
  • Patent number: 6722872
    Abstract: Disclosed is a three-dimensional modeling apparatus (10) that builds up three-dimensional objects in a heated build chamber (24) by dispensing modeling material from a dispensing head (14) onto a base (16) in a pattern determined by control signals from a controller (140). The motion control components (18, 20) of the apparatus (10) are external to and thermally isolated from the build chamber (24). A deformable thermal insulator (132) forms a ceiling of the building chamber, allowing motion control of the dispensing head (14) in an x, y plane by an x-y gantry (18) located outside of and insulated from the build chamber (24). In the preferred embodiment, a material dispensing outlet (66) of the dispensing head is inside the chamber. Thermal isolation of the motion control components from the build chamber allows the chamber to be maintained at a high temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Stratasys, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Swanson, Patrick W. Turley, Paul J. Leavitt, Peter J. Karwoski, Joseph E. LaBossiere, Robert L. Skubic
  • Patent number: 6722873
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the production of a spiral or coil shaped puffed extrudate. A tube or other peripheral containment vessel is placed at the exit end of an extruder die. A force or resistance is then applied on the extrudate downstream of the glass transition point, thereby causing the extrudate to back up and coil in the containment vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Recot, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugenio Bortone
  • Patent number: 6722874
    Abstract: A control and regulating device for a needle element (24) of a hot or cold channel (20) of a plastic molding tool, wherein a rotary movement of a drive device is converted by a converting device (26) into an axial movement of the needle element (24). In order to achieve optimum plastic production, that is to say to permit optimum movement of the needle element (24) both during the idle stroke movement and also during the process regulation phase and during deceleration, the converting device has at least one slide path (30) and a follower element (50) which is guided in the slide path (30), wherein the at least one slide path (30) which is angled, that is to say which has path pitches which are different from each other, is formed on a slide path surface which is concentric with respect to the center line (42) of the needle element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Hansjürgen Möser
  • Patent number: 6722875
    Abstract: An injection molding machine with a vertically operating clamp mechanism is provided with a pair of locking devices on the upper movable platen to lock the locking rods for high tonnage clamping forces. Each locking device uses spring biased actuating rods to simultaneously lock two locking rods to the movable platen in an always “on” arrangement. A power on actuator is provided to release the locking device for raising and lowering the movable platen. A vertical ladder frame is provided for guiding the movable platen when it is raised or lowered. Additionally, a lift mechanism is provided for a rotary table carrying the lower mold halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Van Dorn Demag Corporation
    Inventors: Brian J. Ralph, Paul Zakich
  • Patent number: 6722876
    Abstract: A safety device for shutting off the flow of gas to a gas-fired appliance in the presence of flammable vapors. The resistance of a variable resistance flammable vapor sensor is monitored by a microprocessor that controls the operation of a gas flow valve. When the measured resistance indicates the presence of a preselected concentration of flammable vapors, the gas flow valve is shut of and the ignition system cannot be energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: The Water Heater Industry Joint Research and Development Consortium
    Inventors: Anthony W. Abraham, Dwain Moore, John Paisley, Xiangsheng Wang
  • Patent number: 6722877
    Abstract: A utility lighter having a housing and a spark generator operable to generate a spark generally adjacent an exit opening of the housing. Movement of a trigger from its inoperative position to its operative position in a normal mode of operation of the lighter operates the spark generator to generate a spark. A disabling mechanism is positionable relative to the housing between a first position corresponding to a disabled mode of operation of the lighter in which the lighter is ineffective to generate a spark and a second position corresponding to the normal mode of operation of the lighter. The trigger is movable between its inoperative and operative positions in both the disabled mode and the normal mode of the lighter. In the disabled mode of the lighter the disabling mechanism is adapted to disable the trigger from operating the spark generator in the operative position of the trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventors: Boqi Wang, Lixiang Mao, Dongliang Li
  • Patent number: 6722878
    Abstract: A lingual archwire forming appliance for adapting a wire to the lingual surfaces of a patient's teeth during the construction of a bonded lingual archwire retainer. The appliance is composed of a handle attached to an arch-formed wire. The combination of the handle and curved archwire are useful in fitting a bonded lingual archwire directly in a patient's mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Neil John Graham
  • Patent number: 6722879
    Abstract: A screw device for orthodontic treatment is formed with a platform part that has a relatively large radial width between a head part and a screw-body part of the screw device, and a neck part that has a radial width smaller than that of head part is also formed between the platform part and the head part. Therefore, a hook ring at the end of a spring (or rubber band) used for orthodontic treatment may be directly fitted from the head part and be positioned at the neck part without worrying about being dropped off The thickness of the platform part may prop the spring up the gingiva for keeping from friction. By screwing the screw-body part into the maxilla (or mandible) to make the platform part abutted against the maxilla (or mandible), not only may a stable screwing force be provided for securing the screw, but also does the side surface of the platform have a function of facilitating the gingiva tissue to grow, so the healed-over wound will be more even and good looking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Cheng-Yi Lin
  • Patent number: 6722880
    Abstract: A system for repositioning teeth comprises a plurality of individual appliances. The appliances are configured to be placed successively on the patient's teeth and to incrementally reposition the teeth from an initial tooth arrangement, through a plurality of intermediate tooth arrangements, and to a final tooth arrangement. The system of appliances is usually configured at the outset of treatment so that the patient may progress through treatment without the need to have the treating professional perform each successive step in the procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Muhammad Chishti, Kelsey Wirth
  • Patent number: 6722881
    Abstract: A dental device having at least one pneumatically operable handpiece, the rotational speed of which can be influenced by a control element designed as a foot-operated switch, and a further handpiece, which can be driven by means of an electric drive, and the compressed air present at the pneumatic handpiece influences the control of the electric drive. A graduated filter is mounted on a pneumatically actuated hollow body and the graduated filter has regions thereon which can be sensed by a light barrier generating an electric signal in dependence on the properties of the regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Sirona Dental Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Walter Altendorf, Karl-Heinz Lehmann
  • Patent number: 6722882
    Abstract: An ultrasonic dental instrument or tip is disclosed for performing endodontic procedures. The instrument has a hub adapted to be operatively coupled to the output of an ultrasonic handpiece and a shank portion extending from the hub. A first portion of the shank extends in a generally axial direction from the hub and tip portion extends from the first portion. The shank has a bend therein between the first portion and the tip portion ranging between about 90° and about 140°. One embodiment of the tip has an enlarged, bulbous free end, with the latter having an end face cross sectional area larger than the cross sectional area of the tip portion proximate the enlarged free end. The enlarged free end has an abrasive coating thereon so that upon activation of the instrument by the transducer, the tip portion and the enlarged free end vibrates in a plane including the shank and tip portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Earth City Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: L. Stephen Buchanan
  • Patent number: 6722883
    Abstract: A protective coating applied to abrasive layers of polycrystalline diamond located at the tip of abrasive dental tools is described. The protective coating is provided to protect the polycrystalline diamond layers in the course of storage, packaging, handling and sterilization. The protective coating is removable by abrasive forces when the cutting surfaces come into contact with porcelain and hard ceramic dental materials, teeth, bone or similar hard materials, and subsequently, the broken protective coating is rolled back and collected in the crevices and gaps of the polycrystalline diamond layer. The protective encapsulating coating can be made of a tough high melting point polymer layer, or a layer of a tough polymer also containing fine ceramic particles, or of a relatively soft, oxidation resistant metal or alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: G & H Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Vladimir Gorokhovsky
  • Patent number: 6722884
    Abstract: A method for preserving the alveolar ridge surrounding a presently extracted root socket by backfilling the socket with bone graft material and installing an implant in the root socket area either immediately before backfilling or after backfilling and a delay in which new bone is allowed to grow into the bone graft material. In one embodiment, the dental implant is installed apically into the root socket immediately following root extraction. The open area of the root socket surrounding the implant is then backfilled with bone graft material immediately after implant placement. The implant is preferably a threaded implant (but it can be a cylinder-type) which is placed approximately three to six millimeters apically to said root socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Arthur Ashman
  • Patent number: 6722885
    Abstract: A picture based psychological test, in particular a computer based implementation of the test and a system for automation of at least part of the test. The test may be used for the purpose of identifying a person's preferred way of interacting with other people. For example the test may be used to obtain knowledge of and describe relations within a family, a working team, a sports team, a study class, a political party, a religious community, etc, quickly, directly, and objectively. The test is non-verbal so that it is independent of the language used by the person whose relations and interactions are investigated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Westh Development ApS
    Inventor: Finn Westh
  • Patent number: 6722886
    Abstract: A device schedules administration of reinforcing rewards consistent with a psychological behavior modification program. The instructions to grant rewards are randomized in response to the subject successfully executing targeted behavior thus making the reinforcement unpredictable to the individual being treated. The device has a base with an indicating surface on which code marks are placed in predetermined locations. The code marks are encoded with respect to instructions to grant or deny a reinforcement. The device also has an opaque mask coextensive with the indicating surface. The mask includes an aperture with an initially closed cover to conceal the code marks from view of the individual. At appropriate time, the cover is opened to reveal the code mark so that the individual can follow instructions whether or not to receive a reward. The device is light weight, portable, convenient to carry and easy to use by the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Samuel H. Blumberg
  • Patent number: 6722887
    Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method that can provide a group of individuals with an experiential exercise. The apparatus can comprise a source of fluid flow and a channel formation connected to the source of fluid flow at at least two regions of the channel formation. The source of fluid flow can be a vacuum suction provided from, for example, a single vacuum source. The fluid flow can be airflow. The channel formation is adapted to receive at least one projectile therein, and the projectile is displaceable within the channel formation as a result of the fluid flow. The projectile can be, for example, a ball. A gate is located at each region and is movable between an open position and a closed position. When the gate is in the closed position it at least partially obstructs the fluid flow with the channel formation in that region. Further, at least one fluid flow regulator is provided in the channel formation to adjust the fluid flow in the channel formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Eagle's Flight, Creative Training Excellence Inc.
    Inventor: Adrian Polonio
  • Patent number: 6722888
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to processing system use for instruction and simulated training by users controlling images capable of interactive, personal, idiosyncratic, simulated movements. The invention includes the use of individual hand held devices, personal display appliances, personal computers and other processing systems communicating displays of user controllable images to other processing systems over local area and wide area networks and by means of a variety of interfaces, networks, servers and/or intra-processing system means. Instruction and simulated training is accomplished through simulated activities including, without limitation, individual drill, cooperation and opposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventors: Vincent J. Macri, Paul Zilber
  • Patent number: 6722889
    Abstract: The invention is training football having a plurality of perceptive elements, including tactile elements and visual elements. The tactile elements are positioned on an outer surface of the football in locations that correspond with locations that contact the hand of an individual when properly throwing a football. Accordingly, the tactile elements provide the individual with tactile information regarding proper hand positioning. The tactile elements may also provide the individual with visual cues regarding proper hand positioning. The visual elements are positioned on end portions of the football that are visible to the individual following a throw of the football, thereby providing the individual with feedback concerning the quality of each football throw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris S. Page, Paul A. Gaudio, Geoffrey Charles Raynak, Charles D. Kraeuter
  • Patent number: 6722890
    Abstract: An interactive astronomical model includes a geocentric module, a heliocentric module, and a housing. The geocentric module has a central body configured to represent Earth. The heliocentric module has a central axis configured to represent the sun. A housing is used to couple both the geocentric module and the heliocentric module. The invention also includes a method for generating an interactive astronomical model comprising the steps of providing a geocentric module having a central body configured to represent Earth, providing a heliocentric module having a central axis configured to represent a sun; and coupling the geocentric module with the heliocentric module with a shared housing. A horizon apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Martin K. Kiel
  • Patent number: 6722891
    Abstract: A magnetic drawing apparatus including image forming means, image erasing means, motion generating means, movement control means and a main housing, wherein: the image forming means include a plurality of magnetic cells which collectively define an image forming surface, the magnetic cell contains a viscous fluid and magnetic powder; the image erasing means include a magnetic image eraser which is adjacent to the image forming means, the magnetic image eraser is connected to the motion generating means and is movable relative to the image forming means; and the movement control means include means for actuating the motion generating means and means for selecting the direction of movement of the magnetic image eraser with respect to the image forming means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Goldlok Toys Manufactory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Philip Ma
  • Patent number: 6722892
    Abstract: A multi-plane adjustable connector facilitates electromechanical connection between armature bar ends in a generator. The connector includes opposing end sections positionable in multiple orientations, and a plurality of interim sections coupled between the opposing end sections. The opposing end sections and interim sections are connected in a series via a plurality of hinges, respectively, where at least one of the plurality of hinges is angled relative to the others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Thomas Richard Blakelock
  • Patent number: 6722893
    Abstract: An interconnection device is provided for temporary connection of a first electronic system to a second electronic system having a support substrate that includes an ordered array of conductive solder pads. A plurality of coil signal contacts are mounted to the conductive solder pads. Each one of the coil signal contacts comprises a central longitudinal axis, a top turn and a bottom turn that are arranged in spaced relation to one another. In this way, the bottom turn of one of the plurality of coil signal contacts is fastened to each of the conductive pads such that the top turns are spaced away from the support substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: High Connection Density, Inc.
    Inventors: Che-Yu Li, Zhineng Fan, Linh Van
  • Patent number: 6722894
    Abstract: A plug connector for establishing an electrical contact between first and second conducting track carriers, in particular between a flexible conductor foil and a circuit board, comprises a plug part that has a plug housing provided with a cam surface. The first conducting track carrier is shiftably mounted to the plug housing such that it can be shifted starting from an advanced initial position into a retracted contact position and parallel to a plug-in direction of the plug part. The plug connector further comprises a socket part that includes a socket housing, a pressure application spring and the second conducting track carrier which is received in the socket housing. The pressure application spring has two ends, one end of which forms a supported end received in the socket housing and the other end forms a pressing end that cooperates with the first conducting track carrier if the latter is in the contact position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Harting Electro-Optics GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Burmeister
  • Patent number: 6722895
    Abstract: An electrical connection of a transfer station releasably, repeatably electrically couples with respect to a matching connection of a portable cartridge. A substrate in the portable cartridge has electrical contacts on a facing surface. In the transfer station, a matching circuitized flexible substrate has electrical contacts on a facing surface thereof, which are arranged to match the portable cartridge electrical contacts when in a face-to-face relationship. An elastomeric compression element, at the rear of the matching substrate, has individual protruding compression members contacting the rear surface and registered with corresponding individual electrical contacts. Elongated electrical contacts are registered with two adjacent individual compression members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William Louis Brodsky, Dennis Hurley Byrne, Alex Chliwnyj, David Michael Davis, James Mitchell Karp, George G. Zamora
  • Patent number: 6722896
    Abstract: A land grid array connector is formed by attaching a reinforcing member to a frame and coating the reinforcing member with an elastomeric compound to form a reinforced, flexible body portion of the connector. Conductive wires are inserted in pairs in an array in the fabric extent. Free ends of the wires extend past the elastomeric compound to provide contacts of the connector. The pairs of wires provide redundancy for the contacts to ensure a reliable connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: James L. McGrath, John E. Lopata, Arindum Dutta, Marvin Menzin, Daniel Fisher, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6722897
    Abstract: A power adapter (100) for use with power connectors includes a printed circuit board (3), first and second connectors (1, 2) attached on opposite surfaces of the printed circuit board. The first electrical connector is configured with a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) interface and has a number of first terminals (11) conductively received in first through-holes (31) of the printed circuit board. The second electrical connector is configured as a conventional power connector and has a number of second terminals (21) conductively received in second through-holes (30) of the printed circuit board. The power trace is transmitted from the first connector to the second connector via the printed circuit board, in which circuits are defined between predetermined first through-holes and the second through-holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jerry Wu
  • Patent number: 6722898
    Abstract: An improved termination assembly for multiple grounds of a multi-wire cable is disclosed. The assembly includes a U-shaped retention clip that engages with a termination portion of a ground terminal housed in a connector housing. The clip has at least one notch formed in an edge thereof which is used to locate a drain, or ground, wire in place on the clip in position for soldering the drain wire to the clip. The termination portion may be provided with an opening aligned with one of the notches of the clip so that two drain wires of the cable may be oriented above the signal wires of the cables in similar positions to impose a measure of mechanical uniformity on the termination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Kirk B. Peloza, Yew Teck Yap, Timothy E. Purkis, Jose H. Chavez, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6722899
    Abstract: In a connector (23) in which a number of contacts are placed inside a coupling portion (26), the contacts are grouped into a plurality of contact groups (31, 32, 33, 34, and 35) that correspond to intended uses, respectively. The contacts are collectively arranged in each of the contact groups. The coupling portion is held by an insulator (28) and is for coupling to a mating connector. The contacts are held by the insulator and connected to the mating connector when the coupling portion is coupled to the mating connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventors: Nobukazu Kato, Tomohiko Tamada
  • Patent number: 6722900
    Abstract: A prismatic (18) having a square cross-section is provided in a rotation shaft (16) to which plug terminals (14) are fixed. The rotation shaft (16) is sandwiched between a pair of elastic pieces (17a), (17a) of an elastic holder (17), so that the respective elastic pieces (17a), (17a) are brought into contact with plane surfaces of the prismatic bar (18) parallel to each other. Therefore, an interval between the two elastic pieces (17a), (17a) of the elastic holder (17) is increased when the square bar (18) rotates, so that a firm and steady touch of a click can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Japan Storage Battery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Segawa, Seung Heon Lee
  • Patent number: 6722901
    Abstract: A protective cap for an electrical connector of a hard disk drive. The connector is assembled to a hard disk drive that contains one or more electrical circuits. The protective cap can be placed onto the top of the electrical connector to prevent an electrostatic discharged onto the connector. The cap can therefore protect the electrical circuits from damage due to an electrostatic discharge onto the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youn Tai Kim, Sung Wook Kim, Gregory Tran
  • Patent number: 6722902
    Abstract: An apparatus for connecting electrical wires comprising a connector block having three wells, wherein each well receives an electrically conducting wire, and three pins, each having two ends wherein the first end of each pin is removably contained its own well and the second end of each pin is in electrical contact with a pin of an XLR connector. The connector further comprises a plate for removably securing these pins and a body encasing the connector block and the first end of each pin, wherein the connector strip is a terminal strip and allows for the receipt of a second set of electrically conducting wires in contact with each pin and provides an electrical connection to a second audio component so as to effectuate a daisy chain between a multitude of audio components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: John Kedzierski
  • Patent number: 6722903
    Abstract: This invention relates to a fluid and electrical coupling for coupling a vehicle to a service port such that a fluid and electricity is transferable therebetween. The coupling includes a plug having a pair of opposed major surfaces, a fluid exchange interface on one of the major surfaces, and an electricity exchange interface on the other major surface. The coupling also includes a receptacle having an opening for receiving the plug, a fluid exchange interface facing the plug fluid exchange interface when the plug is coupled to the receptacle, and an electricity exchange interface facing the plug electricity exchange interface when the plug is coupled to the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: General Hydrogen Corporation
    Inventors: Alan John Mulvenna, John David Trevor Graham
  • Patent number: 6722904
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner hose with a connection sleeve includes a hose (1) having an inner wall, a protective envelope (2) for electrical conductors (3) attached at an inner wall of the hose (1), a rear connection part (4a) formed at a connection sleeve (4) and engaging partially into the hose (1), a receiver (4b) extending from the rearward end of the connection sleeve (4) and formed for an insertion of a coordinated end of the protective envelope (2), wherein an end of the receiver (4b) is disposed opposite to an end for insertion and is closed. The receiver (4b) is formed as a tube molded to the inner jacket face of the rear connection part (4). The tube exhibits a first recess (4d) directed rearwardly from the closed end of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Ruplast Kunststofftechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Georg Peter Linhart
  • Patent number: 6722905
    Abstract: A board connector for fixing a printed circuit board on which a conductor circuit is formed includes a first connector housing, a second connector housing, an operating lever and an auxiliary lever. The first connector housing, accommodating a plurality of first terminals therein. The second connector housing, accommodating a plurality of second terminals therein, and provided above the first connector housing. The operating lever, pivotably coupled to the first connector housing and the second housing for moving the first connector housing and the second connector to closer each other between a first position and a second position. The auxiliary lever, pivotably coupled to the operating lever and the first connector housing for restricting the pivotal range of the operating lever. The first connector housing and the second connector housing have a space for inserting end portions of the printed circuit board therebetween when the operation lever is located in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Negishi, Yuji Hatagishi
  • Patent number: 6722906
    Abstract: This invention provides an electrical connector which includes an insulated housing, a plurality of conductive terminals, and a cover body. The cover body is moved by a user between a first position, a second position, and a third position relative to the insulated housing so that electrical contacts of an electronic card and contact portions of the conductive terminals are pressed against one another when the cover body is moved from the first position to the second position. When the cover body is moved from the second position to the third position, the electronic card moves simultaneously with the cover body such that the electrical contacts of the electronic card and the contact portions of the conductive terminals contact frictionally each other through a short distance relative movement to wipe out dust or contaminants. This increases the reliability of their electrical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventor: Lu Tsing
  • Patent number: 6722907
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for connecting vibrating components having different electric potentials, in particular for connecting a stator housing (8) for an electric motor (1) with a housing (4) for control electronics (6) inside a clutch actuator of a motor vehicle, containing electrical contact means (30) for establishing an electrically conductive connection between the components, and means (26) for establishing its mechanical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Peter-Josef Bauer, Thomas Lott, Rainer Becker, Michael Speth, Christian Meyer
  • Patent number: 6722908
    Abstract: A retention mechanism for an electronic assembly which has a substrate and a heat sink. The retention mechanism includes a substrate slot that receives the substrate and a heat sink slot that receives the heat sink. There may be two retention mechanisms that are attached to a printed circuit board adjacent to an electrical connector. There may be two heat sink slots symmetrically located about the substrate slot so that the mechanism can be mounted to a left side or a right side of the connector. The symmetric slots eliminate the need for a left side mechanism and a right side mechanism. The retainer mechanism may also have a nut retainer that captures a nut that is used to attach the mechanism to the printed circuit board. The nut retainer allows the nut to be transported with the retainer mechanism during an assembly process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Llapitan, Michael Crocker, Peter Davison
  • Patent number: 6722909
    Abstract: An LGA connector (1) includes a housing (2), a fastening frame (3), a clip (4), and a lever (5). The fastening frame includes a base (30) and a retainer (32). The base includes a projection (3024) formed in a junction of a first end portion (302) and a first sidewall (303). The projection defines a guiding groove (3027) in a bottom thereof. A pair of receiving slots (3028) is defined in the projection at centers of two opposite inner sidewalls bounding the groove. The retainer includes a portion having a fastening slot (3222), and a pair of protrusions (3220) protruding from central parts of opposite sidewalls thereof. Each protrusion has an interference block (3224) protruding from an outer top side thereof. Each protrusion of the retainer is interferentially received in the corresponding slots of the base, for stably and firmly positioning the lever in the fastening frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert G. McHugh, Hao-Yun Ma
  • Patent number: 6722910
    Abstract: The electrical connector is provided with a locking member which is disposed on the base housing so that the locking member can move between an open position and a locking position in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of movement of the slide member. The locking member is positioned in the open position when the slide member is in a first position. Furthermore, when the slide member is in a second position, in which pins of an electronic component and contacts of the electrical connector are in contact, the locking member moves to the locking position and contacts the slide member, so that the movement of the slide member is checked. Furthermore, an engaging part, which engages with a tool that is used to move the locking member, is disposed in the upper surface of the locking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics AMP, K.K.
    Inventor: Shuji Kajinuma
  • Patent number: 6722911
    Abstract: An electrical connector for electrically connecting an electronic package such as a central processing unit with a circuit substrate such as a printed circuit board. The electrical connector includes an insulative base (1), and a cover (2) slidably attached on the base. The cover includes a pair of opposite retention flanges (22). A pair of sliding slots (222) is defined in the flanges, and a pair of locating recesses (221) is defined in the flanges respectively adjacent the sliding slots. The base includes a pair of opposite sliding rails (1222), and a pair of locating protrusions (1221) formed respectively adjacent the sliding rails. When the cover is attached to the base, the sliding slots guide and receive the sliding rails therein, and the locating recesses retainingly receive the locating protrusions therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hui Ye
  • Patent number: 6722912
    Abstract: An electrical connector (1) includes a base (10) and a cover (20) assembled together. The base and cover each define a pair of channels (121, 221) on opposite sides thereof and a pair of depressions (19, 29) on rear portion (14) thereof. A pull tab (80) has an operation portion (81) and a pair of arms (82) extending from the operation portion. A pair of resilient portions (85) is formed on inner sides of the arms. The pair of arms are received in the channels with the operation portion remaining outside of the cover and the base. The resilient portions are received in the depressions. Each arm mechanically contacts with a latch spring (70) latching with a complementary connector. When the pull tab is pulled, the latch spring separates with the complementary connector, the resilient portions bent to a deflective shape. When the pull is released, the resilient portions resume to an original shape to motivate the pull tab returning back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Jerry Wu
  • Patent number: 6722913
    Abstract: A male housing (10) pushes the front ends of springs (50), and a pushing portion (13) at the front end of the male housing (10) is more backward than the front ends of the springs (50), and front end portions of the springs (50) and a front end of the male housing (10) overlap. Thus, a connector can be made smaller by an overlapping length of the springs (50) and the male housing (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukinori Saka, Koji Okutani, Atsushi Yamaoka
  • Patent number: 6722914
    Abstract: A wire connector has a housing with a conductive clip therein. First and second retaining fingers are formed in the clip. Each finger engages a wire inserted into the housing to hold the wire in the housing. The fingers can be arranged for either a push-in or insulation displacement type connection. A conductive extension is electrically connected to the clip and extends out of the housing for connection to the terminus of an external electrical apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Ideal Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William E. Blaha
  • Patent number: 6722915
    Abstract: An electrical connector is provided including an electrical connector having a housing with a front end configured to receive a circuit board and a rear end configured to receive at least one flexible cable. The electrical connector includes top and bottom contacts retained in alignment along a vertical axis in corresponding channels in the housing. At least one of the top and bottom contacts has a first contact prong configured to engage the circuit board and a second contact prong configured to engage the at least one flexible cable. The electrical connector includes a stuffer received at the second end of the housing that is configured to retain the at least one flexible cable in contact with the second contact prong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew R. McAlonis, Troy E. Conner
  • Patent number: 6722916
    Abstract: An electronic component is provided that includes a printed circuit board having first and second battery contacts. A battery clip having a bottom portion is connected to the first battery contact. The battery clip also includes a top portion spaced from the printed circuit board with a tab extending from the top portion in a downward direction toward the printed circuit board. A coin cell battery is arranged between the battery clip and the second battery contact. The present invention battery clip biases the battery into engagement with the second battery contacts with the tab. The second battery contacts may be provided by a solder bump or a printed circuit preferably arranged in a criss-cross waffle shaped pattern. The battery clip is secured to the first battery contacts preferably by applying a solder paste that is heated to electrically join the battery clip to the first battery contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Frank Buccinna, Michael Zaltz
  • Patent number: 6722917
    Abstract: A hub is closed having a USB cable for connecting to a host computer, a longitudinal wire groove in a back side of the housing thereof and a receiving open chamber in the housing at one end of the longitudinal wire groove for receiving the cable and USB connector of the USB cable, the USB connector of the USB cable having circular retaining projections for friction engagement with respective semicircular retaining notches in the receiving open chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Yea Yen Huang
  • Patent number: 6722918
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes a rail having a plurality of apertures therethrough, and two electrical connectors including a first electrical connector and a second electrical connector, the first electrical connector detachably mateable to the second electrical connector, the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector removably connected to the rail, at least one of the two electrical connectors being routed through at least one of the plurality of apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Lyall Assemblies, Inc.
    Inventor: Phillip McCoy
  • Patent number: 6722919
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a connector fixture, comprising a connector and a holding member; wherein the holding member forms a space for accommodating the connector, and the holding member on each of its left and right sides has one or more fixing surfaces extended upward, such that the end of the signal terminal of the connector is also bent upward to keep the connector in a positive plug-in direction when the connector is installed at the bottom of the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventor: Tung-Chang Lin
  • Patent number: 6722920
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly (1) comprises an electric card (4), an insulative housing (20), an upper and lower rows of contacts (21) accommodated in the housing, and a pair of securement devices (3) assembled into the housing. The electric card defines a pair of through holes (41) therein. The housing comprises a main body (201) and a pair of support portions (200). Each support portion defines a groove (2020) and a receiving hole (2021) defined in the support portion from a bottom face of the groove. The securement device comprises a base portion (31), a protrusion (32) protruding downwardly from the base portion for being received into the groove, and a pair of opposite legs (33) extending downwardly from the protrusion. Each leg has an engaging face (332) abutting against a lower face (44) of the electric card to fix the electric card with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jian Zhang
  • Patent number: 6722921
    Abstract: An electrical card connector (1) mounted on a printed circuit board (2) via a bolt (3) includes an insulating body (10) in which a number of terminals (11) are provided for electrical connection to the printed circuit board, a shield (12) covering the insulating body and a pair of stand-off devices (14) attached on opposite sides of the shield. Each stand-off device includes a retention portion (140) secured to the shield, a terminal portion (141) with a screw hole (1412) defined therein extending laterally from a lower edge of the retention portion for connection to the printed circuit board and a shield member (142) upwardly extending from edges of the terminal portion to form a shield space (147) for shielding the bolt which engages with the screw hole of the terminal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hung-Chi Yu